In the context of a software product (as is the case of most products), the user is either the person utilizing the product or the person who asked to create such a product. Hence, UAT or beta/end-user testing is the testing conducted from the usability perspective of the user. This is tail-end testing done post system and regression testing and functional testing are completed. Any top company offering software testing services would inform their clients of the usefulness and importance of UAT. The aim of this form of testing is the validation of the software against the requirements and expectations of the client’s business. Validation is conducted by any end-user with an understanding of the specific requirements. UAT, alpha, and beta testing comprise the different types of acceptance testing.
When to Perform UAT?
The experts at software testing companies, who perform UAT, understand that as the last step before a product goes to market, User Acceptance Testing must be meticulous. The following steps are required for top-quality UAT:
- A clear outlined strategy for UAT is prepared in the planning stage
- The next stage would be designing test cases that cover functional scenarios in the real world. These test cases must be simple to understand language and ensure that the testing process for testers is simple and swift
- The testing team must comprise of real-world end users
- The next step is executing the test cases, with some random but relevant tests. Post this the results and bugs need to be properly documented
- Post the finding of the bugs, the next step would be to make the necessary adjustments and remove the bugs, ensuring a high-quality bug-free software
- The testing team provides the go-to-market approval for the software
User Acceptance Testing – Who conducts it and why is it important?
The team would comprise of beta testers and or someone buying the product or who may have asked for the software to be created. In addition, the customers could have a say in which members should be part of the testing team to ensure that every user role is tested as required. The software testing companies with expertise in this domain stand by the fact that UAT is critical to ensure that the software is operating as per the business functions, and would be suited to real world usage and scenarios.
User Acceptance testing plays a crucial role to validate business requirements, by using live data and real use cases. Rather than suffer losses and embarrassment, post-release, due to issues, it is wise for businesses to ensure User Acceptance Testing is conducted by experts. These domain experts know that the cost of fixing defects post-release is a lot higher and extensive, as compared to fixing the bugs prior to release.
In Conclusion:
Several businesses might skimp on User Acceptance Testing since their products would have already undergone several systems, integration, and regression testing. However, experts contradict this thought by explaining that UAT is the most important phase of any project since it is here that actual users validate the system and confirm that the software functions as required. Expert testing companies actually recommend involving end-users in the early stages of the project, in order to gain their views and recommendations thereby enabling a better software product. UAT is the perfect way to find out whether your product would be acceptable to the target audience – it is the ‘Agile’ way of conducting and delivering business. Business users are now keen on being closely involved in projects and delivering their opinion and feedback. By partnering with an expert software testing company, your business will get all these benefits and more – connect with our experts today.
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